NDRRMC places Visayas, Mindanao under extreme risk due to Typhoon Odette

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed parts of Visayas and Mindanao under 'extreme risk' due to Typhoon Odette, which is expected to make landfall on Thursday.

Local disaster units have been instructed to activate the highest emergency protocol in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.

Preemptive evacuations are underway in high-risk areas such as Regions 6, 7, Caraga, and Region 8, with local government units initiating these measures to ensure resident safety.

The NDRRMC has been coordinating with regional counterparts since December 10 to conduct pre-disaster risk assessments and prepare for Odette's impact, especially in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas.